Denver US Foods Teamsters Launch Unfair Labor Practice Strike

More Than 250 Warehouse Workers, Drivers Establish Primary Picket Line

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Mark Madsen

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(ENGLEWOOD, Colo.) – US Foods’ ongoing labor woes extended to the Denver area today, where members of Teamsters Local 455 established an unfair labor practice picket line to protest the broadline foodservice provider’s alleged violations of federal labor law that protects workers’ rights.

It’s the most recent strike at US Foods [NYSE: USFD], the nation’s second-largest foodservice company, where allegations of labor law violations have resulted in strikes and picket line extensions throughout the country – from Southern California to western New York.

“US Foods’ pattern of anti-worker, anti-union behavior threatens not only its hardworking employees, but also the restaurants, schools, hospitals and state agencies that depend on our members for reliable, dependable service each and every day,” said Steve Vairma, Teamsters Local 455 Secretary-Treasurer. “We will not allow this company to enrich its private equity owners and stakeholders by abusing the rights of its workforce.”

Teamster local unions represent 4,300 US Foods employees under 43 contracts at 27 facilities. In 2016, more than 3,500 Teamsters employed by US Foods have either struck or honored picket lines in Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Washington, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Colorado

US Foods is owned by Wall Street private equity firms KKR and CD&R. In a May 25 IPO, US Foods raised $1.02 billion from investors. Since its purchase nine years ago, US Foods has engaged in a systematic campaign of harassment and intimidation against its workers, both union and non-union.

US Foods provides 350,000 products and services to 200,000 customers including restaurants, hospitals, schools, military bases and hotels. US Foods has 25,000 employees and 75 distribution facilities. The Teamsters represent 4,300 US Foods employees, with 43 contracts at 27 facilities.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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